The key to controlling HIV -and keeping your CD-4 count high and your
viral load low-- is to stick PRECISELY to the daily schedule for your
medication. If you miss doses or don't take them on a regular schedule,
the virus could thrive and mutate so that one or more of the medications
becomes ineffective. This is called DRUG RESISTANCE, and signs may
include fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. To keep tabs on how well your
medications are working, you will get regular blood tests that measure
your viral load and your CD-4 count. If the meds ARE working, the viral
load may become very low or almost undetectable. And your CD4 count may
be near normal. Another way to make sure your treatment remains
effective is to be aware of any side effects that pop up unexpectedly or
that are severe. They may signal that your multiple drug cocktail is no
longer working, and it may be necessary to try another combination of
drugs. Some side effects CAN be sudden AND serious, so it's important to
see your doctor as soon as you notice them. Journaling even your minor
side effects is a good idea too, so you can discuss at your next
appointment. Another important way to protect the effectiveness of your
treatment regimen is to make sure that ANY OTHER over-the-counter
medications, supplements or drugs you're taking do NOT interfere with
your antiretrovirals. Always discuss this with your doctor BEFORE you
take anything. A healthy lifestyle, with physical activity, good
nutrition, and stress management is also important for keeping your
treatment working. For more information on living with HIV see the other
videos in this series.

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Some HIV treatments can reduce the effectiveness of your birth control pill. Watch this to see which ARVs affect hormonal birth control.

Transcript: Hormonal birth control can prevent conception, help regulate your
menstrual cycle, and ease some PMS...

Hormonal birth control can prevent conception, help regulate your
menstrual cycle, and ease some PMS symptoms. But if you're HIV positive,
some types of anti-HIV medications can also reduce the effectiveness of
your birth control pill. For instance, non-nucleoside reverse
transcriptase inhibitors--or NRTIs--and protease inhibitors - which are
standard components of combination treatments - CAN reduce or eliminate
the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, whether it's a
progestogen-only pill or a combination estrogen-progestogen pill. This
is because the same set of enzymes in the liver that breakdown these
anti-HIVdrugs, also quickly deactivates contraceptive pills. But on the
other hand, oral contraceptives DO NOT impact THE ACTION OF THE
antiretrovirals. So EVEN THOUGH your risk of pregnancy increases, your
HIV treatment shouldn't be affected. However, other antiretroviral
drugs, such as integrase inhibitors - also standard components of
combination treatments -- DO NOT reduce the effectiveness of oral
contraceptives.Bottom line: if you are using the birth control pill MAKE
SURE you ask your doctor if your particular type of HIV treatment
regimen raises your risk of pregnancy. And keep in mind, it's not just
oral contraceptives that DON'T mix well with specific anti-HIV drugs;
hormonal IUDs, vaginal rings, skin patches and shots MAY NOT be as
effective, either. Regardless of the form of birth control you and your
doctor decide upon, you should ALWAYS remember to use a condom to reduce
chances of transmitting the virus to your partner or of you contracting
a new strain of HIV that could make your medication regimen less
effective. For more information on living with HIV, watch other videos
in this series.

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Starting HIV treatment is like opening yourself up to the possibility of a prolonged, healthy life. Watch this for starter tips.

Transcript: Ever hear the phrase "When one door closes, another one opens?" Starting
HIV treatment is like opening...

Ever hear the phrase "When one door closes, another one opens?" Starting
HIV treatment is like opening yourself up to the possibility of a
prolonged, healthy life. Treatment can make the amount of HIV in your
blood-also called your viral load -- very low or even undetectable. It
will also raise your CD4 count-indicating your immune system is
rebounding. Opinions vary about how low your CD-4 count can fall before
it's time to start taking antiretroviral medication; however, experts
suggest that EARLY TREATMENT is the most effective in the long run.When
you do start treatment, your doctor will likely prescribe a cocktail of 3
to 4 antiretroviral medications-called HAART or highly active
antiretroviral therapy. Your overall health will impact the SPECIFIC
cocktail you're prescribed, as will the existence of any pre-existing
conditions, like hepatitis B or C. It's also the time to be HONEST with
your doctor about personal issues you have, such as depression or
substance abuse. Then you can work together to find solutions --
including ways to make medication affordable. Some initial side effects
like nausea, vomiting and headaches CAN make it tough to stick to your
treatment in the early days. But many of these side effects are
temporary so STICK WITH IT, it will get better. But be sure to alert
your doctor to any persistent or severe side effects.To make sure your
treatment stays effective, it's CRITICAL that you follow your medication
regimen PRECISELY. If you DO happen to miss a dose, take it as soon as
you realize. But don't double up, if it's time for your next dose. If
you've got questions about what to do, get in touch with your doctor
before you take your next dose. For more information about your
HIVtreatment, check out other videos in this series.